Industry estimates put California’s share of uninsured drivers at roughly one in six, and many insured drivers carry only the state minimum limits, which don’t go far after a serious crash. If one of them hits you, Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist (UM/UIM) coverage may be the only thing paying for your injuries.
What does UM coverage pay for?
If a driver who is at fault has no insurance, or not enough, UM/UIM helps pay for:
- Medical bills
- Lost income
- Pain and suffering, in qualifying cases
It also generally applies in hit-and-run accidents involving injuries. That matters on busy Central Valley roads like Highway 99, Highway 132, McHenry Avenue, and Briggsmore Avenue, and on the rural two-lane roads between Mission Viejo, Oakdale, and Turlock.
Does it cover me outside my car?
In many cases, yes. UM can protect you and your household members as pedestrians or cyclists. That’s worth knowing if you walk or ride the Virginia Corridor Trail, the Dry Creek Trail, or the paths along the Tuolumne River, where trails cross busy streets.
What about damage to my car?
California also offers Uninsured Motorist Property Damage (UMPD), which can pay up to $3,500 to repair your car when an identified uninsured driver hits you. If you carry collision coverage, a collision deductible waiver may also cover your deductible in that situation. Ask how your policy handles it.
Can I decline it?
Yes. California requires insurers to offer UM coverage, but you can reject it or lower it in writing. If you signed a waiver years ago to save a few dollars, it’s worth reviewing now. Medical costs have gone up, and one hospital stay after a serious accident can cost more than years of UM premiums.
How much should I carry?
A common rule of thumb is to match your UM limits to your Bodily Injury Liability limits. That way you’re protected as well as you protect everyone else on the road. California doesn’t allow “stacking” UM limits across multiple vehicles, so the limit you choose is the limit you get.
Not sure whether you have UM, or whether you signed it away? We can review your auto policy and show you what adding or increasing it would cost.
This article is for general educational purposes only. Coverage, eligibility, discounts and pricing vary by carrier and policy. Talk with a licensed California insurance agent about your specific situation.
Is California's Minimum Car Insurance Enough for Driving in Mission Viejo?
Do I Need Flood Insurance in Mission Viejo If I'm Not in a Flood Zone?
